RIYADH (Agencies)
Saudi Arabia giants Al Hilal scored a shocking victory against UK champions Manchester United in Monday's testimonial game for Saudi legend Sami al-Jaber in Riyadh.
The Premiership champions received a huge reception as 65,000 fans poured into Riyadh's King Fahd Stadium.
The name of Manchester United has clearly permeated through to this part of the Gulf and the team, Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, were afforded a noisy welcome by the Saudi fans, many of whom had entered the stadium at least three hours before kick-off.
The purpose of the game, however, was to mark the retirement of Al Hilal's legendary Saudi international Sami al-Jaber.
United had been paid one million pounds to provide the opposition for al-Jaber's testimonial game, but Al Hilal -- a two-time Asian champion and 10-time league winner -- proved from the kick-off that they had no intention of making life easy for their illustrious visitors. |
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Highlights Ronaldo, whose every touch brought high-pitched screams from the Saudi supporters, tested goalkeeper Addaiya with a 20 yard strike on five minutes, but it was Al Hilal that opened the scoring five minutes later.
An Anderson foul on Noor 30 yards from goal led to an Al Hilal free-kick and Taieb's shot was diverted into the path of striker Yasser al-Qahtani by United defender Danny Simpson.
Qahtani, who recently had an unsuccessful trial with United's neighbors, Manchester City, made no mistake from 12 yards with a low strike that beat goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and nestled in the far corner.
United, perhaps keen to avoid criticism for traveling 3,000 miles to Riyadh in the middle of a busy fixture period in England, stepped up a gear and Carlos Tevez leveled the scores on 25 minutes when he rounded the keeper after being released by Ronaldo.
Eight minutes later, Sir Alex Ferguson's team were ahead, when Ronaldo out jumped his marker at the near post to head Nani's corner into the net from six yards.
But al-Jaber was not to be overshadowed and he won a penalty, a dubious one to say the least, on 39 minutes following an innocuous challenge by Rio Ferdinand.
Ferguson was spotted by TV cameras laughing at the award, but al-Jaber pressed on an made it 2-2.
Manchester United youngster Danny Welbeck sent a last-minute penalty over the crossbar, leaving his team mates shocked as Al Hilal sealed a 3-2 victory over United.
Al Hilal emerged victorious thanks to Khoraeshe's spectacular winner which beat young goalkeeper Tom Heaton from 12 yards on 73 minutes. |
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Ferguson says "terrific" "I never thought we would win the game, but it was a terrific game and the crowd were fantastic. Al Hilal also had some very good players," admitted Ferguson.
"Qahtani looked a terrific footballer and al-Jaber was clearly a decent player in his time," he said.
Ferguson added that his squad would spend the remainder of their time in Saudi Arabia relaxing.
"We will have a relaxing day on Tuesday and hope to get some sun by the pool. One or two of the players want to get a game of golf and I will certainly be doing that." |
